Cheers to Hawke’s Bay wine capital anniversary

HAWKE’S BAY, Today: This Thursday (tomorrow), grab a glass of Hawke’s Bay’s finest and join the region’s celebration of its Great Wine Capital status anniversary!

Since 23 May 2023, Hawke’s Bay joined elite wine regions like Bordeaux, Napa Valley, South Australia, and Mendoza.

One year later, this prestigious title continues to draw national and international attention, making Hawke’s Bay a must-visit for travel agents, writers, and visitors.

Hamish Saxton, CEO for Hawke’s Bay Tourism, says, “Being a Great Wine Capital is truly global recognition for the region.”

“As more regions recognise the value of culinary tourism, Hawke’s Bay’s status as the newest Great Wine Capital of the world is the best evidence yet that we are New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country.”

“We invite everyone to join us this Thursday 23 May in raising a glass of Hawke’s Bay wine to celebrate the first anniversary of the region officially joining the world’s elite wine tourism destinations.”

Getting into the Great Wine Capitals Global Network was a timely boost after Cyclone Gabrielle. The selection was tough, considering our wine industry, history, tourism, education, business, travel, and the cities of Hastings and Napier.

“Great Wine Capitals status is an incredible achievement for the region to be collectively awarded.”

Brent Linn, Executive Officer for Hawke’s Bay Wine Growers, says, “Membership of the Great Wine Capitals network endorses Hawke’s Bay’s reputation as one of the world’s premium wine regions.”

“Great Wine Capitals membership has enabled our members to access valuable connections and relationships that support their wine businesses, while telling the story of Hawke’s Bay wine to a global audience,” says Brent.

This accolade has opened doors for knowledge exchange in our wine industry. Recently, 12 Hawke’s Bay wines were chosen as New Zealand’s first wines for tastings at the world-famous Cité Du Vin in Bordeaux, France.

Ben Tombs, Chief Winemaker for Craggy Range, says, “Great Wine Capitals status is an incredible achievement for the region to be collectively awarded.”

“Hawke’s Bay has many iconic vineyards producing fine wine, and it’s fantastic for our identity to be recognised globally,” says Ben.

To celebrate, Hawke’s Bay Airport invites arriving and departing passengers on Thursday to a Bellatino’s Aeroporto wine tasting between 2pm-5pm.

Hawke’s Bay’s involvement in the Great Wine Capitals programme is a partnership between Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Hawke’s Bay Wine, Hastings District Council, Napier City Council, Hawke’s Bay Airport, EIT, and Hawke’s Bay Regional Economic Development Agency.